January 2, 2010 11:03 PM PST
Hello out there...I don't know if it'll help in your situation, but I can tell you my "back in the saddle" story. I've been riding on my own since I was 15. My dad taught me how to ride a little Harley 125 dirt bike someone had given him because he got tired of me begging him to take me for a ride after the first time he putted me around a dirt track out in the North Carolina wilderness. I got married in '81 to a guy who wasn't bad looking, but had a sweet '75 Harley XLCH Sportster (that's what sealed the deal ;-) I was proud & content to ride behind him, but after the divorce (he was a jerk!) a few years later, I was single and wanting to get out & about again, but BOY did I get sick of the "Ass, Gas or Grass, Nobody Rides For Free" attitude of so many guys. I mean really, can't a girl go for a ride just for fun? Anyway, after awhile, I went out and bought myself a cute little '85 Honda Rebel and relearned how to ride by myself again. Loved it! Rode the hell out of it for 2 years, then I got into a bad accident on the Las Vegas freeway, hit a pickup truck at 75 mph. Not my fault (as in most cases) but I broke my pelvis in 4 places and was messed up for about 6 months. I swore off bikes for about 4 years,but my beloved mother (God rest her soul) could tell that something was missing from my life. I was moody and depressed at times, but I didn't know why. One day, she finally asked me point blank: "So when are you gonna get another motorcycle, because you know down inside that's why you're unhappy." Of all people, I never figured my Mom would be the one to see the obvious cuz she was very old fashioned and introverted, a housewife and mother practically all her life, yet she loved to feed the fire of her kids living life to the fullest even if she didn't get to. So with her blessing, I went out and bought a used '86 Honda Rebel and took baby steps just riding around the neighborhood and rural desert roads till I got my confidence back. My Mom taught me that if something really makes you happy, you can't be afraid of a few downfalls. There's risks involved in many things we do, but if you don't take the risk, you'll never know what you're missing! I'm 52 years old now, and still in the wind. If the love of riding is still with your wife, she'll come around when she's ready. Just let her know that accidents happen, it wasn't her fault. Just be as prepared as you can just in case with proper riding gear and be aware at all times. Hope this helps! Stay Safe!
